Batt Takes On Prison Dilemma Governor Seeks Ways To Slow Huge Growth In Inmate Numbers

After various committees and task forces have failed to find a way to slow the explosive growth of Idaho’s prison population, Gov. Phil Batt said Monday he’ll take on that job himself.

“Right now, I have decided to make myself a committee of one,” Batt said.

The governor said he plans to meet with corrections officials, judges and others to “see if I can come up with some refinements to this system which is sapping ourselves of vital money which we need for other purposes.”

Idaho’s prison population is swelling by about 40 inmates a month, and corrections officials say they expect the number of prisoners to double within six years. Prisons are the fastest-growing section of the state budget, while public schools and universities are being held to tiny increases.

Without committing to anything in advance, Batt said he hopes to study:

Time off for good behavior. Idaho eliminated so-called “good time” when it enacted its “Truth in Sentencing” law a decade ago.

Minimum mandatory sentences that Idaho lawmakers have passed. The governor said he wants “to see if they really are defensible.”

Less expensive ways of incarcerating prisoners who don’t pose a threat to society, such as “dope offenders mainly injuring themselves,” drunken drivers and other nonviolent offenders. Boot camps or work centers are possibilities.

Increased use of ignition interlock devices that prevent a car from starting unless the driver first blows into a machine that detects drunkenness. Idaho collects a fee on drunken-driving convictions to pay for such devices, but the funds have gone mostly unused.

“I’m not one to coddle prisoners nor let them out before they’ve paid their debt to society,” Batt said. “But nevertheless, the end object ought to be if a person is ready to be in society, is not a menace to the public, we don’t need to spend $40,000 a year keeping him in prison.”

Batt said he’s not certain he can find solutions that will be palatable to the Legislature, but he hopes to present something to lawmakers next year. “I don’t expect miracles, but I do expect we can make some improvements in what we’re doing.”

, DataTimes